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Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs Air Fryer Recipe

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A quick and easy air fryer recipe for crispy, juicy chicken thighs coated in a flavorful garlic parmesan crust. Perfect for busy weeknights and crowd-pleasing dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (medium-sized)
  • ½ cup (50g) finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
  • Optional: ½ teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture (about 5 minutes).
  2. Finely grate ½ cup (50g) of Parmesan cheese and set aside.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, dried Italian herbs, salt, black pepper, and optional smoked paprika. Stir well.
  4. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive or avocado oil over the chicken thighs, then sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly. Toss gently to coat all sides.
  5. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the chicken and press lightly so it sticks to the skin and seasoning.
  6. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
  7. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if necessary.
  8. Air fry for 12 minutes, then flip the thighs skin-side up and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  9. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry is crucial for crispy skin. Use finely grated Parmesan and avoid piling it too thickly to prevent burning. Flip the chicken halfway through cooking for even crispiness. If Parmesan browns too fast, reduce temperature by 10-15°F and cook longer. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed. Rest chicken 5 minutes before serving. For reheating, use air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken thighs, garlic parmesan chicken, air fryer chicken, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, low-carb chicken

Find it online: https://evabake.com/crispy-garlic-parmesan-chicken-thighs-air-fryer-recipe-easy-perfect-30-minute-dinner/